European franchise a question for NFL – Belichick

European franchise a question for NFL – BelichickImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bill Belichick started his head coaching career with the Cleveland Browns in 1991ByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished27 minutes agoSix-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick says the possibility of a European franchise is a question for the NFL, but welcomes the global expansion of American football.NFL fixtures regularly take place across Europe throughout the season and there also has an international pathway for players, but all 32 franchises are in the United States.Belichick was speaking in Dublin before the American College Classic on Saturday (17:00 BST) between his North Carolina Tar Heels side and the Texas Christian University, which is the opening round of the season.The 74-year-old – regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time – took over as head coach of UNC in 2025 after a glittering 23 years with the New England Patriots in the NFL, where he won six Super Bowls.When asked if he felt a European franchise was feasible or if it was something he would want to see happen, Belichick reported it was “a question for the NFL and commissioner [Roger] Goodell”.”The NFL is very intent on building a global brand and you can see that in their scheduling this year,” he reported.”Every time I’ve been part of those international games, the enthusiasm and the excitement is tremendous. “I’m sure the NFL will continue to pursue that. College football is doing it with this game, so I think it is great for the game.”Belichick ‘wisdom’ guiding UNC on Dublin trip